Day 5 – Let the Word Dwell Richly in You | Reconditioned: Think on These Things

Colossians 3:16 (NIV) “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Paul’s language here is intentional — let the Word dwell richly. That means don’t let it pass through; let it take residence. The Word of God is not a visitor meant to stop by on Sabbath or Sunday and leave by Monday — it’s meant to move in and make itself at home in our hearts.

To dwell richly means the Word doesn’t live in the background of your life; it becomes the background music that never stops playing. It fills the atmosphere of your thoughts, conversations, and choices.

Mary of Bethany understood this more than anyone. In Luke 10, Jesus visited her home, and while Martha was distracted with serving, Mary sat at His feet and listened to His words. Luke 10:39 (NLT) says, “Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught.”

She wasn’t lazy; she was intentional. She knew there’s a time to serve, but there’s also a time to sit. She recognized that divine revelation is worth more than earthly recognition. Martha’s activity was good, but Mary’s attention was greater.

Jesus told Martha, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42 NIV).

That’s what happens when the Word dwells richly — it gives us wisdom to prioritize what really matters. It silences distractions and centers us in peace.

When the Word lives in us, we stop chasing noise and start cherishing nourishment. We begin to see that busyness doesn’t equal fruitfulness. The Word teaches us how to work from rest instead of working for rest.

To dwell richly means the Word influences our reactions. It shapes how we speak, how we handle conflict, how we make decisions. Psalm 119:11 (NIV) says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hidden means stored — not buried in forgetfulness but preserved for purpose.

Mary didn’t just hear Jesus; she absorbed Him. Every word He spoke became her anchor. So when later, in John 12, she broke her alabaster jar and poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, it wasn’t a random act of emotion — it was the overflow of revelation. She knew who He was. She knew what He was about to face. The Word she had once heard now guided her worship.

That’s what it looks like when the Word dwells richly: our actions flow from revelation, not reaction.

James 1:22 (NLT) warns us, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” The goal is not just to know Scripture but to live Scripture — to let it direct our behaviour and shape our perspective.

Think about it this way: the Word of God is a seed, but our hearts is the soil. If we only skim Scripture, we’re scattering seed on hard ground. But when we meditate, study, and apply it, we’re tilling the soil so it can grow roots that produce fruit.

When Paul says “let it dwell richly,” he means abundance, overflow, depth. The Word should be so alive in we that when life squeezes us, Scripture comes out — not fear, not frustration, not defeat, but truth.

Maybe right now, you’re struggling to stay consistent in your time with God. Don’t feel condemned; feel invited. The same Jesus who told Martha to slow down is inviting you to come and sit too. Every verse you read, every word you recall, every promise you believe — it’s forming Christ’s nature in you.

When we let the Word dwell richly, we’ll find ourselves less reactive, more discerning, and quicker to return to peace. We won’t just quote verses — we’ll embody them.

So, make space for the Word today. Not a quick drive-by reading, but an unhurried dwelling. Open our hearts wide and let God’s Voice echo in every corner. As you do, you’ll find clarity replacing confusion, strength replacing weariness, and wisdom guiding every step.

Declare this aloud:

The Word of God lives richly in me. It fills my thoughts, fuels my faith, and guides my steps. I am not empty; I am equipped. The Word is my counselor, my comfort, and my compass. I don’t just hear it — I live it.

That’s what it means to think on things above — to let heaven’s truth take up residence until it changes the atmosphere of our lives. When the Word dwells richly, peace stays constant, faith stays strong, and our hearts stay anchored in Christ.